New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) payments are made fortnightly for single individuals living alone receiving around $1,038.94 before tax, while couples each get about $799.18 before tax.
New Zealand Superannuation Payments
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) is a government-provided pension available to eligible New Zealand citizens and residents aged 65 and over. It is designed to provide financial support during retirement, ensuring that older adults have a stable income.
The payment is universal, meaning it is not means-tested, so it is available to everyone who meets the age and residency criteria, regardless of their income or assets. NZ Super payments are made fortnightly on a Tuesday. Your received amount is influenced by your residential status and tax code.
How much are the New Zealand Superannuation Payments?
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) payments vary based on your living situation and tax code. For individuals, If you live alone or with a dependent child, the payment is approximately NZD 1,038.94 per fortnight before tax. If you live with others, the amount is slightly lower, check below rates.
| Your Living Situation | Maximum | S (17.5%) | SH (30%) | ST (33%) |
| Live alone or with a dependent child | $1,038.94 | $1,001.24 | $849.74 | $813.38 |
Reside with an individual who is:
|
$959.02 | $921.32 | $781.82 | $748.26 |
If both partners qualify for NZ Super, each receives around NZD 799.18 per fortnight before tax. If only one partner qualifies, the payment remains the same for the eligible partner. Check how much you will get under New Zealand Superannuation Payments as a couple.
| Your Living Situation | Maximum | S (17.5%) | SH (30%) | ST (33%) | SA (39%) |
| Both couple meet the criteria | $799.18 each | $761.48 each | $646.22 each | $618.56 each | $563.24 each |
| Only one of you meets the criteria | $799.18 | $761.48 | $646.22 | $618.56 | $563.24 |
Who is entitled to benefit from New Zealand Superannuation Payments?
The eligibility criteria are based on residency rather than contributions, making it accessible to a broader range of people. To be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), you need to meet several criteria:
- You need to be a New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a residence class visa. At the time of application, you must be ordinarily resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau.
- You need to be at least 65 years of age.
- You must have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since turning 20, with at least five of those years being after the age of 50. This requirement is set to increase gradually to 20 years by July 2042.
- If your entire residency hasn’t been in New Zealand, you might fulfil the requirement by considering periods spent in a country that has a Social Security Agreement with New Zealand or in a realm country like the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau.
New Zealand Superannuation Payments Schedule
The New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) payment schedule from July to December 2024 is available below.
July 2024:
- Tuesday, July 2
- Tuesday, July 16
- Tuesday, July 30
August 2024:
- Tuesday, August 13
- Tuesday, August 27
September 2024:
- Tuesday, September 10
- Tuesday, September 24
October 2024:
- Tuesday, October 8
- Tuesday, October 22
November 2024:
- Tuesday, November 5
- Tuesday, November 19
December 2024:
- Tuesday, December 3
- Tuesday, December 17
- Tuesday, December 31 (paid on Friday, December 27 due to New Year Holiday)
How can I get New Zealand Superannuation Payments?
To apply for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) payments, follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare necessary documents such as proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of residency, and bank account details.
- You can apply online through the MyMSD portal. This is a convenient option that allows you to complete the application from home.
- Or visit a Work and Income office to apply in person. Our staff can guide you through the application steps and respond to any questions you have.
- Finish the application NZ Super and submit it along with all the needed documents. It’s recommended to apply three to four weeks before your 65th birthday to ensure timely processing.
- After your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be sent a confirmation letter outlining the start date and amount of your payments.
What are the benefits of New Zealand Superannuation Payments?
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) offers several key benefits that make it a valuable support system for retirees:
- Universal Access: Available to all citizens and permanent residents aged 65 and over, ensuring broad coverage.
- Non-Means Tested: Payments are provided regardless of other income or assets, offering a stable financial base.
- Regular Payments: Fortnightly payments help retirees manage their finances consistently.
- Additional Benefits: Extra support is available for those with lower incomes to help with regular and unexpected costs.
- Residency-Based Eligibility: Eligibility is based on residency rather than contributions, making it accessible to a wider population.